days On one when I began to mend during my illness having been attended as if an only Son to the Countess a Page acquainted me that a young Gentleman a stranger desired to speak with me I ordered him to be brought in who after the usual complements inquired of me what was become of Alvaro and Narcissa and being informed that neither of them was or had been in Valentia fetching a deep sigh he swounded away by my Bedside I called immediately for somebody to his assistance and by that time they had brought him to himself again looking heedfully on his face I knew the disguised Youth to be Cassandra my Friends Mistress and being perfectly recovered when the Company was retired after having given her an account of my Adventures since I left Alicant she requited it by telling me That the satisfaction she received by understanding from the Countesses Letter of Alvaro's being safe at Valentia was converted to the highest affliction by a declaration she had from her Father instigated thereto by Estefania her rigid Mother-in-Law that in two days she must resolve to marry Mauritio who had long pretended to her or profess her self a Nun in what Covent she should make choice of This resolution of her Parents obliged her to as hasty a determination to prevent it which all other ways appearing impossible and overcome by her love to Alvaro she had in a disguise left both her Fathers House and Countrey and believing to find Alvaro with the Countess had adventured in Boys Cloaths on so long a journey to be protected by him from her Fathers threatned violence I had travelled said she to me in continuing her Discourse some days when towards evening withdrawing to an Inn in a small Town to pass the Night having got a Room the farthest from those were taken up by some Company in the House there came to the same place a Coach and six Horses out of which alighted a young Gentleman and two Women one of which by the richness of her Garb seemed to be attended on by the other and coming all up Stairs entred into the very Room I was retired to the Gentleman desiring me in courtesie to resign it to the Lady was with him there being no other convenient one in the House empty which I seemed very willing to do but desired I might not be exposed to the notice of any body in the House it importing me much to be concealed And the Gentleman taking some perticular observation of me after several discourses having upon his Inquiry told him of what place I was he asked me if I had any acquaintance with Alvaro Prada I answered that I not only knew him very well but was his Servant and then travelled towards Valentia to meet him He was very glad at what I said and assured me he was a most particular Friend to my Alvaro both having been formerly Students together in the University of Valliadolid the intimacy being contracted first between them on occasion of the affinity of their Names he being called Alvaro Felix and then on a journey to Valentia with his Wife who was the Lady I saw with him called Isabella the next day they obliged me to bear them company in their Coach to Valentia I must confess to you that not only the extraordinary Beauty but the shape and complection of the Lady were so conformable to that of Narcissa I could scarce be satisfied within my self but she was the fair Companion I had met with which Alvaro Felix half confirmed to me by intimating that he was fully acquainted with the Adventures of Felicius. As we were travelling on the Road they took more particular notice of me than they had done before observing as I guessed my complection to be fairer than is usual with men but whose notice I perceived to be greatest was that of Jacinto a servant of Alvaro's who pretending to be indisposed they had taken into the Coach with us to make his journey more easie than it would have been on his Horse We travelled all day resting only a little at Noon to refresh the Horses and about Sunset the evening being very clear Alvaro and his Lady alighted out of the Coach and we all refreshed our selves with what they had provided the Night before after which Isabella and her Husband returning to the Coach desired I would walk softly after it awhile with Jacinto which we did till the Night began to grow upon us her Woman remaining with them in the Coach As we went softly on together Jacinto entertained me with a relation of the quality of his Master who he told me was a Sevilian born and then going with his Wife to visit her Friends in Valentia but from that he fell into a Discourse much less agreeable to me telling me how like I was to a young Woman he had long since applied his Addresses to While I was accompanied by him with the entertainment of hearing his Adventures with his Mistress which at length I began to be pleased with supposing he did not in the least doubt but I was a man we quite lost sight of the Coach and soon after it was out of hearing which beginning to disturb me withal perceiving we had quite left the Road I stopt telling him I would go no farther that way he led me but being deceived by his urging he knew where we were very well and continuing that little Track we were in it would bring us before the Coach to a Country House they must of necessity pass by I not only yielded to his desire in going forward but having climbed with some difficulty up a rocky Hill at his request sat down with him to rest our selves when taking me fast by the hand he told me I must no longer deceive him with the suppositious name of Leonardo since he was fully convinced he had a Leonarda in his company at first I endeavoured by smiling at his words to make a jest of the mistake I told him my tender Years had occasioned but he not satisfied therewith proceeding from Argument to Action attempting to discover by force what I was so cautious of concealing at last in spight of my resistance threw me all along on the ground and as I was strugling with him 't is true said he my conjecture is true and now my Coy Mistriss is in the power of her Adorer just as he uttered those words and when I thought all my Resistance would prove ineffectual to the preservation of my Honour by chance I laid my hand on the Hilt of a Dagger he had by his Side and and having no other remedy to save my self by I drew it and with two Stabs in his Side made him desist from his wicked Design I got up immediately and fled from so fatal a place leaving the rash young Man Groaning on the Earth which by what you have related to me I guess was at the same time you was retired into that Mountain and he had strength
made use of so that at last yielding to his perswasions being overcome by too nice a sence of Honour I resolved if I ever discovered him to be again with you that his Life should answer the presumption and that diligent man hearing of his going alone to the Island incited me to follow and take him there with you which though I mist of effecting upon certain advice that he had mâ—t with you there I was so exasperated that though I dissembled my anger resolutions of ruining him began to possess my mind and sending for Theophilus he so confirmed me in the displeasure I had conceived against him that I gave him leave to use him as an enemy to his Prince and assaulter of his honour What followed said he weeping thou too well knowest and from the hour of his death I never received one of consolation wishing the Sword that pierc'd his Breast had been levell'd at my own nor could I ever brook the sight of Theophilus after that fatal night which joyned to the loss of his Daughter and a sense of Guilt for the innocent blood he had shed struck him into so deep a Melancholy that he outlived my Dear Frederick but a few Weeks Here he ended his Discourse accompanying that renewed Grief I was possest with at the knowledge of my Fathers being the Murderer as I lookt on him of the best man had ever lived But if his remembrance made me behold my Father with a growing displeasure the weakness of his Condition and the real penitence he shewed for what had been allowed by him to be committed made me turn all my Anger to a Lamentation becoming a dutiful Child to a dying Parent he continued two days after he had given me this account of Fredericks death and then resigned his Soul to Heaven and his Dukedom to her who has enjoyed small satisfaction from that Dignity since deprived of what would have been a happiness much more considerable The afflicted Dutchess making this sad end of her Narration perceived by the Tears of her beloved Nise that she had as equal a share in her Misfortunes as if they had been the circumstances of her own Life But if the compassionate Nise accompanied the Conclusion of her Ladys History with the greatest expressions of a real Grief for her Misfortunes the fair afflicted Dutchess could not resist an unbounded Sorrow at the remembrance of those disasters seemed to deny any future comfort to her Life They continued a great while without disturbing one another in their pitiful Lamentations and doubtless the whole day had been spent by the sorrowful Diana in that sad Contemplation if her Favourite recollecting her self had not considered how late it was and how much Company attended the Dutchesses return to her Palace and withal to divert her thoughts from what she believed the remembrance of was so prejudicial to her She at last with much intreaty perswaded her to go back from the Garden endeavouring to conceal as much as possible the disorder she was in from all Beholders At her arrival there those Princes who attracted by her Beauty and the greatness of her Fortune resided at her Court in hopes that a happy Possessor of both would be chose from among them came to welcom her Return from a place they wished she would take less pleasure in since she had required their desisting from following her thither at any time Her obliging goodness was not wanting in expressing a complaisance to them equal to their quality though none could promise himself any advancement in his Love from one who desired to appear very averse from an intention of altering her condition and while they studied to outvy one another in Grandeur and State each striving to make himself more remarkable than the rest of his Rivals the sorrowful Dutchess bestowed all the Leasure business of her Government would allow on the cruel remembrance of her unhappy Lover who though she knew long since dead had a share in her Breast much beyond what any Living One could obtain The Messenger that was sent by the Dutchess to learn a more particular account of Alexanders Massacre than what the Countryman had related being returned just as the Dutchess was retiring from those Crowds had filled her Palace upon her dining with the Princes in publick which sometimes she knew not how to excuse when requested by them gave her an account of Alexanders Cruelty little different from what she had heard before whose barbarous severity so much incensed her that she was about to give immediate Order to have him committed to a publick Execution as his wickedness had in all appearance justly deserved But Cesario his faithful Friend being newly come from the Prison where he was confined and at the same time She was going to pronounce Sentence throwing himself at her Feet he humbly besought her to respite his Doom till she heard what his Inducements were to commit that Fact he was to suffer for But although he made Use of all the Arguments a generous Friendship could store him with they were not prevalent enough to obtain the deferring that justice the Princess thought was not fit to be delaid where the guilt appeared so notorious until the Stranger Princes joyned their intercession withal urging that his Punishment a while suspended would satisfie her better than to wish it undone if he should prove an object fitter for Her Mercy than the Laws Rigour which Cesario affirmed to be most certain So that at last her Compassion prevailing above her Severe Justice she returned with the Princes and being seated with them on her sides Cesario by her command related the particulars of Alexanders Life to that fatal Accident had exposed it to so eminent danger The History of Alexander and Cynthia MAdam what I shall acquaint your Highness with of that Unfortunate man is now a Delinquent to your Laws will I question not make him appear to you more Unhappy than Wicked especially if you will please to allow that one Nobly Born ought not to be without a sense of Honour and endeavour the Vindication of it when assaulted in the highest nature but that you may be more fully informed of it and the real Worth of him I plead for your Highness must give me permission to begin with the first passages of his Life and I believe you will find something diverting and extraordinary in the Relation I shall make There are few can boast more advantages from a good Education than he is Master of in which his Father took all imaginable care to have his Endowments equal to the considerable Rank his Birth had placed him in After a convenient time employed at home in those Studies were fit for him he was sent abroad to learn those Accomplishments the Theory alone is to be had from Books but after a few years employed in Travel the Death of his Father called him Home to the possession of a large Inheritance where his obliging carriage soon procured
the commendation of all the City every one striving to be reckoned in the number of his Friends but an unexpected accident quickly after his return removed that tranquillity he had till then been attended with A Formal young Gallant of the City very well attended by chance passing through a Principal Street met Alexander at that time alone who diverted by the sight of a Lady looking from a Window took not so much notice of the Complement that Gentleman made him of his Hat in going by as to return the like Civility which being lookt on as a slighting rudeness made the Gentleman turn back and give him some upbraiding Language which Alexander confident he had not deserved returned him such sharp Replies that from words they came to make Use of their Swords whereby Alexander being fallen upon by all that accompanied his Opponent received several wounds before the Company in the Street could get in to part them but at last a Croud getting together his Enemies shiftted for themselves while he not able to go far slipt into the Porch of an adjacent House and so to the Yard before those that were come in to separate them had laid hold of him As he stood there looking about whither to go for some help finding his strength begin to fail by the loss of his blood he perceived the door of a Hall open and leaning on his Sword went toward it to get some of the House to call a Chirurgeon to him but he was scarce entred when through weakness and pain he fell down in a Swoon There happened to sit in the Hall a young Lady who shrieking at the sight of a man entring with a naked Sword and all over bloody brought in the Servants whose coming was very opportune for the wounded stranger soon after the Master of the House and Father of the young Lady being advertised of what had happened came down and seeing the condition he was in Ordered him to be laid in a Bed and sending for Chirurgeons with much pains they brought him to himself when searching his wounds they judged his greatest danger was the loss of so much blood however he would have been carried home but that the Chirurgeons said it might indanger his life and Octavio generously declared he should not leave his House till he saw him in a better condition since Providence had been pleased to direct him thither And his Care and Kindness with his Chirurgeons diligence within few days raised him from his Bed so that he resolved with great acknowledgements to Octavio to return again to his own House for the perfecting his Cure But Octavio on the other side persisted in his Noble humour of not letting him stir till he was perfectly well so that he was compell'd to stay longer than he desired at that time being withal not a little solicitous to hear what was become of his Adversary whom he resolved to call to a severe account for his baseness as soon as his strength would permit One morning as he was busying himself with such Thoughts his Meditations were interrupted by a Charming Voice he heard at some distance accompanied by the sound of a Lute play'd on by no mean Artist His Curiosity presently made him desire to learn who it was had given him so pleasing a diversion And leaving his own Chamber he past through a large Gallery at the end of which he heard the delightful Musick as he guessed from a Room that opened to the place where he was the Voice he knew to be a Womans and imagined as it really was That Porcia Octavio's Daughter had ignorantly given him that delightful entertainment and being earnest if possible to have a sight of the Person had drawn him thither he went softly to the door which he saw was shut and looking through the Key-hole beheld a young Lady whose beauty he thought much transcended all that ever he had seen of Lovely before which was increased by the negligent posture he beheld her in drying some tears seem'd to force a passage from her Languishing eyes He had not long contemplated on this lovely Object when seeing a Maid come in to her whom he knew to be the same assisted often near him during his sickness and fearing either to be heard or that the door where he stood should be opened the caution of avoiding any thing might look like rudeness in a House where he was so much Respected made him retire back to his own Chamber though not without using a little compulsion to himself in leaving a place he could have wished a longer continuance in After he had sometime contemplated on the Charms of that fair Lady he had so unexpectedly seen and who he was confident must be Porcia his Friends Daughter Octavio came in to Visit and Accompany him at his Dinner it being about that time of the day at the end of which Phillis the same who used to come to him and her he had not long before seen in the Ladys Chamber came in and presented him a Basket of curious Flowers desiring he would accept and value them as the first Fruits of the Spring in her Masters Garden He received the gift at first as a Complement of the Maids for which he thought the Return of a more considerable present would be expected which he could not then perform Octavio being with him but setting the Basket on a Table and thanking the Maids kindness he continued to entertain Octavio being then less solicitous to leave him than before which was not displeasing to the good old Gentleman who after a convenient time from Dinner leaving Alexander to repose himself he went to do the like in his own Chamber as soon as he was gone Alexander looking by chance on the Flowers found them placed in the Basket with so much Curiosity as required him to look more attentively on them when he was surprised to find in a mixture of Gilliflowers and Jessamine a Composition of these Words It is enough to the Discreet Although he concluded it came from Porcia both by the person that brought it and having seen in her Chamber Flowers scattered on the Floor yet he could not resolve to believe himself so fortunate to look on it as a Favour design'd him or an incouragement to that Love he found began to take possession of his Breast However willing to discover what the meaning might be he resolved to return an answer the same way so that taking out all the Flowers he put in the bottom of the Basket a Letter filled with all the passionate Expressions a growing Love could dictate to him and laying the Flowers on the top in the same order he received them only altering the words and that Evening Phillis coming into his Chamber after engaging her his by a considerable Present he prevailed with her to carry the Basket to her young Lady who she confess'd had sent it to him which she immediately did and delivering it to Porcia she read her
Host consuming it in the consideration of what course I should take to know what was become of him whom I could not but hope to be still alive since he had escaped so miraculously from the River I resolved to visit Tunis although I exposed my self to a certain slavery which in a few days I performed having met with an English Ship was bound thither to Trade I embarqued my self and in less than a month after my Masters being carried away I was landed in that considerable City of Affrick It had been my Fathers mischance when young to be taken and kept six years a slave in Tripoli during which time he had perfectly learnt the Arabick Language and for a diversion had taught me so much of it that I could discourse indifferently well in it and it stood me so much in stead that cloathing my self in the Moorish Garb I was credited to be what I pretended my self a Moor of Tetuan taken a slave by the Christians so young that I had almost forgot my own Language and that having by my hard labour got enough to procure my ransom I was landed there in order to return to my own Country So that being lookt on as an absolute Moor I had as much opportunity as I could wish to inquire after my dear Master though a great while without any effect till one day hearing some Slaves talk of their Captivity and inquiring from what part they had been taken one of them told me he was a Mantuan brought over much about the time I knew my Master was lost and examining him more particularly of what other Slaves were taken with him I learnt not without a transport of joy that he came thither in the same Vessel with my Master that by the Moors care of his wounds both during their Voyage and a-shore he had been perfectly recovered and since was bought by the King of Tunis for a vast price Upon this intelligence I was so continually about the Seraglio that at last I discovered my dear Master in a Dress much different to what I was wont to behold him he was pleased to tell me my presence was not a little welcome to him though he lookt shyly on me fearing by my wearing a Turkish Habit I had been turned Renegado till giving him an account of all I had done his goodness but too much acknowledged my love to him For the first time we durst not be too long together lest my Disguise should grow suspected and afterwards when we met our Consultation was how possibly to procure his enlargement from a Master never admitted a ransom for his Slaves so that all our hopes must depend on the Kings being procured to give him to some Courtier who would be willing to see him exchanged for a considerable sum of money During the time we were taken up with these Considerations there happen'd an occasion which I was willing to lay hold of as what might much conduce to my Lords enlargement A Noble man of Tunis called Mahomad Alli having a young Son whom he desired to have instructed in Musick and hearing I had learnt a proficiency in that used in Italy during my Captivity sent for mâ—â— making great offers of requital if I would take upon me the teaching of his Son which I willingly offered and in a few weeks gained the Fathers heart by the improvement his Son had made in the Science I was thought a Master of And being of himself a man more desirous of knowledge than the generality of his Country men are he took a great delight in hearing me relate the Manners and Customs of Christendom so that at last I was grown so much in his favour as to be intrusted with the management of his Affairs and ordering his House in the City when he went to divertise himself at a Seat he had some miles out of Town where he used often to be as I learnt drawn thither by the love of a fair Christian Slave had been presented him and finding his good opinion of me so great that he exprest a willingness to do me any considerable kindness I could beg of him One day when he was much delighted to hear me play on the Harp I told him among the Kings Slaves I had met with a young man whom I knew in Italy and whose Friends had been so particularly kind in conducing to my deliverance from a long Captivity that the only thing I would beseech of him was if possible to get that Slave out of the Kings hands which he might beg for not without hopes of success and give me leave as a grateful requital to him and his Friends to set him at liberty as soon as he heard what I desired of him he blamed my modesty in asking so small a Boon and promised that very day to procure what I sought not doubting to speed in it At the time he went to the Seraglio to procure my Lords liberty I went to acquaint him the good news of a freedom he might soon expect but all our joy was dissipated at Mahomads return who told me that although my request was small yet at that time impossible to be granted for the King having news of a Rebellion in the farthest part of his Dominions which being slighted at first had given the Rebels time to carry all before them so that the King resolving to go in person with an Army against them all his Slaves were appointed for the journey and that he himself being commanded to attend the King in the expedition resolved to intrust the Government and Ordering of his Family to my care until his return If I was grieved at the certain prolongation of my Masters captivity that concern was doubly aggravated at the consideration of being separated from him so long a time as that was like to be if he should ever return I used all the arguments I could to perswade Mahomad I might accompany him but in conclusion it was almost by a forced licence that I went having declared that if he thought me unworthy to be near him where he might be exposed to continual dangers as soon as ever he was departed to the Army I would return to my Native Country and Friends in Tetuan A few days after the King began his journey finding at the Randezvous he had appointed a compleat Army of thirty five thousand men all well appointed besides the usual attendants on a Camp he proceeded with short journeys n t to harrase his men before they came up with the enemy having heard by those he had sent out that they seemed to expect him and it was believed would stand a Battel I should pass over what concerns the Wars of Tunis without troubling your Highness to hear any thing of them but that my dear Master made a considerable character in that War during our march I had all the opportunity I could desire of seeing and discoursing with him his resolutions were to attempt the doing some remarkable
coming from the City Our Guide told us there was no doubt to be made but they were Christians come abroad to scoure the Valley this being just their time of going out and against the consent of us all and before we were aware he called out to them who to our Astonishment answered in Arabick They are Christians Seize them says a Moor that at least I may have something to wreck my Revenge on and saying so they advanced towards us Immediately finding the Danger we had fallen into by the unhappy Spaniards hasty speaking he thought to make some part of amends by telling us that if we could climb to the top of the Rock our little Party would be sufficient to defend it against an Army for some time and that after it was Day the Moors would not venture to stay so near the City we followed his Advice with a Diligence equal to our threatned danger and were ascended to a good height by that time our Enemies were got to that part of it we had quitted But oh Heavens How great was our astonishment when not only by the Voice but Day coming on we knew the chief of our Enemies to be the enraged Hamet who as soon as he discovered who we were and finding us stand in a Posture to defend our selves with our Swords and the loose Stones we had pick'd up on the top of the Rock He called out Yield your selves miserable Slaves said he and hope for the sake of that cruel Beauty you would have robbed me of to have your Lives spared but if you offer at the least resistance expect Death with the utmost aggravation of Torments But all being resolved to defend our Lives to the last he had no other Answer but by the Stones we threw at him wherewith enraged he commanded all his Men to a light who were about forty in number and climb the Rock to take us which they did leaving only enow to hold their Horses those who were most bold to get at us were by the stones we threw soon tumbled down again to their Master my Valiant Lord with the two first Stones went from his hand depriving two of our Enemies of their Lives This strange and unequal Combat lasted above an hour in which time Hamets Men were reduced to half their number but on our side the Eunuch and our Spanish Guide were both slain by the Arrows were shot at us and not one but had received a wound or more When Hamet transported by the resistance we made and at the loss of his Men with those were left he assaulted us a-fresh and when he had not above ten left with him alive gained the height of the Rock My Dear Master with Astolfo by his side did Actions almost past belief till wearied with so long a Dispute and grown faint for want of that Blood had gone from them thorow several wide Passages were made in their Bodies they were just ready to sink under an unequal number of Enemies when Astolfo despairing either of safety or Life retired and left him I had endeavoured from the begining of the combat to appear not less concerned for maintaining our Liberty than the rest had been but at that time weakened by the want of Blood had run from my several wounds I was fallen down unable to give any further Assistance to our almost vanquisht Party having only Life enough left to keep my Eyes open that I might see what would become of my dear Master and I confess when I saw Astolfo had left him alone against all our Enemies I began to doubt with my self whether his quitting the Combat was not an effect of fear till I soon perceived it was despair had drove him before his Death to take a last farwell of his Beloved Roselinda who had remained offering up her Prayers for our safeties from the begining of the Fight He ran to her with as much speed as his weakness would permit and taking her in his Arms I could hear him faintly say farewell my most unfortunate Wife since I cannot live for you at least give me the satisfaction of dying in your Arms to which she answered Oh my Dearest Astolfo be assured I can never quit thy Arms to be forced into those of a barbarous Infidel but since it is the pleasure of Heaven that we must dye let it be in one anothers Arms and let us thus entwined fly together to Eternity I could not hear their last words but saw them haste to the top of the Precipice and embraced very close together threw themselves down to the bottom where they ended their unhappy lives Then casting my eyes towards the place where my Master was fighting I saw him fall dead in the midst of his Enemies which dreadful spectacle took away the remainder of my Spirits and I sunk down with some satisfaction that I should not outlive him But how strangely was I surprized when coming to my self again I was lying in a fair Room with two or three Servants waiting at the Bedside I would gladly have asked where I was admiring to hear they spoke Spanish but did not recover my speech till the end of eight days When I had got strength enough by their care of my wounds to inquire how I came into that place and wherein I deserved to receive kindnesses more than I could hope for among Strangers One of them told me that I was in the Governors House of Antiquera who would let no means be omitted which might conduce to my recovery I exprest my thanks for their care of me with all the acknowledgment I could but being more concern'd for my Master than my own welfare I intreated them to let me know what happy accident had brought me thither and if they could to inform me what was become of those remained in the same condition I was in on the Rock One of those assisted near me was about satisfying my request when he was interrupted by the Governours coming in to make me a Visit and being informed who he was I would have raised my self in the Bed to receive him when he stept to the side of it and hindred me saying I was not in a Condition to use Ceremony and that he had deferred till then coming to see that I might not be disturbed of that Repose was so necessary for me but that being told by the Chyrurgeons I might with safety be discoursed with he was come to give me an account how I fell into his hands and setting down on a Chair by the Bed side he let me know that himself going out with a Party the Morning of our Combate at a good distance from the Rock he saw people on the top of it but believing them some of the Garrison were got up thither to descry if the Country were free from those who almost every Night infested it he kept on his way at an easie pace when one of his Company told him he could discover naked Swords in their
Hands on the Rock and guessed by their moving about that it was a fight they were ingaged in whereupon mending his pace he came to the bottom of the Hill just as a Man and Woman arm in arm had thrown themselves from the top and were dashed in pieces almost hard by where he stood and that while he was surveying the dead bodies his men had perceived some Moors holding a good number of Horses on the other side of the Rock and riding round they saw those we had left alive coming down who finding themselves discovered would have retreated up the Hill again but were overtaken by his men and incouraged by one who seemed their Master suffered themselves all to be cut in pieces rather than he should be taken himself ending his life in the same place amongst his men He added to me that having dispatched the Moors he climbed up to the top of the Rock to take a view of what had been done there where he found a great many dead Moors whom he commanded to be thrown into an adjacent Pit but that upon search of the bodies finding about two or three of us Medals which declared our profession to be Enemies of Mahomets Sect he ordered our bodies to be removed to the City that we might receive the rites of Burial but being laid on a Table I had been perceived to stir so that they carried me to a Bed and after several applications brought me out of the swound the want of blood had thrown me into but that the rest had been interred together in the principal Church This certainty of my dear Masters death reduced me into as ill a condition as I had been found in on the Rock so that it was the next Morning before I could be brought to my senses again when I would have torn the Plaisters from my Wounds to follow my lost Lord but the good Governour being in the Room used so many perswasions to me that at last I was satisfied to wait the pleasure of Heaven either in my death or recovery which in a month after proved the latter so that I was become able to walk abroad And would have taken my leave of my Noble Host in order to return hither resolving afterwards to retire into my own Country that I might spend the rest of my days in bewailing without interruption the loss of my unfortunate Master but the Generous Governour not only refused to let me stir till I had recovered some more strength but withal after he had heard from me the quality and misfortunes of those he had interred would have me stay to see their Obsequies celebrated in a more splendid manner than what before had been done so that the week following I was conducted to the great Church where a very fair Monument was set up with an Inscription relating the manner of their deaths were to lye in a Vault under it and towards the bottom was engraven on a fair Marble these words Let the White Rock in theâ—â—â—st of the Tale of Antiquera for ever after be called the Lovers Rock After the Ceremonies ended having burnt several Perfumes to hinder the ill smell of those had been so long dead the bodys were taken up and brought through the Church to be deposited in the New Vault As soon as I saw them bringing towards me I went forward desiring their faces might be uncovered that I might once more behold that of my Master but a fresh disturbance seized me when I beheld those of Roselinda Astolfo and the Spanish Slave which were all that had been brought from the Rock as the Governour assured me but my Dear Master was mising so that concluding he had been left among the Moors in the Pit on the top of the Rock I not only procured a Guard from the Governour to go thither in search of him but he would accompany me himself to that fatal place As soon as we came there he commanded the bodies to be dragged out but could find none but such as we knew to be Moors both by their Cloaths and having no Hair on their Heads among the rest I found the wretched Eunuchs body but not the least appearance of any thing like my Masters we searched every Corner both of the Rock and adjacent Fields but not being able to make any discovery I returned back with the Governour though full of perplexity yet not without some faint hopes that Heaven might by some Miracle have preserved so considerable a Life The fair Dutchess who had listned to his Story more dead than alive began a little to recover herself at this part of his Relation which he continued telling her that after some few days longer abode at Antiquera acquainting the Governour with his design he betook himself to his former disguise of a Moors Habit resolving to search all the Country under their jurisdiction if possible to learn something of what was become of his Master but continued he after I had spent much time in a fruitless inquiry concluding that Great Man certainly lost and that he might either be overlookt among the dead or have received a charitable Interment from some unknown hand I withdrew my self into the confines of Spain and being come among the Christians again I passed for a Captive newly escaped from Bondage but wanting money to alter my Guarb and serve me for so long a journey I was forced to remain in this Dress in which I have appeared before your Highness to give an account of the death of the best of men The sorrowful Julian made this sad end of his Relation which the Dutchess had not been able to hear concluded without an aggravated affliction and wringing her Hands while a River of Tears flowed from her Eyes Oh my Dear Nise said she could Heaven preserve the Life of that Worthy Man to bring him to so disasterous an end Ye Gods where was your justice where was your care of distressed Vertue when he was suffered to fall by the violence of a Barbarous Multitude O Heaven why did you not send the charitable Governour time enough to prevent the ruine of so many Innocents Her afflicted Favourite endeavoured all she could to divert that violent Grief she tormented her self with but at last wanting strength to complain longer she wrung her by the Hand and saying with a faint Voice I must follow my unhappy Lover to the other World since I am denied him in this she sunk down in her Arms. Nise immediately called in the rest of her Women and desiring Julian to retire they removed her into her Bed-Chamber and undrest her to give more freedom to her breath but a great part of the day was spent before she came to her self and several others before she would be seen by any one but her Women and Julian whom she sometimes sent for to hear that repeated which as often renewed her sorrow The faithful Roman after some Weeks abode in her Court where by her Order he
was supplied with every thing he could want desired leave to return to his Relations whom he believed had concluded him dead not having heard from him in so many months but she would by no means suffer him to leave her Court 'till she had found out some way to recompence his Loyalty to his Master so that he was forced to satisfie himself with writing to Rome while he attended the Dutchess commands in Mantua whose indisposition and Melancholy had made the Court change all its former splendor into sorrow and disturbance none knowing what had reduced her to that condition but all looking on Julian with unpleasant eyes as supposed the messenger who had brought her the information of what she was so greatly troubled at Two months were passed in this sorrowful manner when one day as Julian was discoursing with some of the Mantuan Lords a foreign Merchant presented himself to them desiring to know if the Dutchess would buy any choice Jewels of which he had brought some store to the Court although they knew she would not be disturbed on any such occasion yet for the satisfaction of their own curiosity they desired to see them and opening a small Casket he exposed to their view some of the fairest had ever been seen in those parts Julian standing by and accidentally casting his eyes on them as the Merchant pulled them forth perceiving among the rest a rose of Diamonds which he was confident he had seen before and knowing if it was the same it would open in the middle he inquired of the Merchant whether it would or not who affirmed the negative but Julian taking it in his hand perceived the place where it was to part and by the Merchants help drawing out a small pin of Gold it parted asunder which confirming him it was the same he imagined he told the Merchant he would adventure to desire one of the Dutchesses women to shew it her so going directly to Nises Chamber he desired her to let him see the Dutchess who going with him to her Presence as she lay on her Bed on his Knees he presented the Jewel to her As soon as she had cast her Eyes on it Oh Heaven said she this is the same I gave the unhappy Frederick and calling Nise to her she opened it and shewed her under the Gold the Diamonds were set in her own Picture and Julian assured her that his Master had that Jewel hanging in his Bosome the day before he was slain Immediately the Dutchess commanded the Merchant should be brought in pretending she would divert her self with seeing his Jewels but as soon as he was come Julian by her command required of him how he came by that in the Dutchesses hand He with a great deal of plaineness and assurance told her that he bought it for a great sum of money of a Jew at Rome and that the Jew told him he had it of a Moorish Pirate in Argiers that he believed the Moor had gotten it in some Prize he had met with at Sea the Dutchess seeming satisfied with the Merchants truth paid him the Price he demanded for it and dismist him After he was gone as she was busied in looking on the Jewel she had once given as a Pledge of her Love to Frederick turning it upward her Picture which was drawn on a little Gold Plate dropt out and taking it up she perceived on the backside of it some Letters as if scratched there by the point of a Needle and perusing them heedfully not without a Transport of Joy she read these words Fair Saint for thee I live escapt the River and the fatal Rock How happy had Frederick been could he have beheld the alteration there appeared in his adored Princesses face at the imagination of his being still alive She gave Julian the Plate to read not daring to credit her own Eyes who was not able to contain himself but kneeling down by the Dutchesses Bed He lives Madam said he my Dearest Lord has been preserved by the care of Heaven I implore your permission that I may go immediately in search of him for I am resolved never to rest till I can find him or learn some more certain news of him The Dutchess approved very well of Julians forwardness but when she began a little to recollect her self new apprehensions assaulted her 'T is probable said she to him Frederick might escape after the Combate on the Rock since his body could no where be found but if the Merchant spake true is it not very likely he died by the hands of those Pirates who sold this Jewel which I am confident he would never part with but with his life Although Julian had the same fears yet to keep the Dutchess from giving way to her melancholy Madam said he 't is without doubt there is much appearance of my Masters being assaulted with fresh dangers but since Heaven has been pleased to deliver him twice where it was beyond a mortal imagination to think he did not perish suffer us to hope the best when we have cause to be assured he lives and can but doubt of his danger Give me leave to put to Sea and I am almost confident in a few months I shall be able to bring you some news of him The Fair Diana willing to comply with his desires as he was to go the next day ordered a strong Vessel well manned and provided for a long Voyage to be got ready wherein such diligence was used that in three dayes Julian took his leave of Her having the Command of the Ship given to him and put to Sea with a fair wind DIANA Dutchess of MANTVA OR THE Persecuted Lover PART II. THE Dutchess after this unexpected Intelligence which Nise endeavoured to perswade her was more considerable than really it was began to recover her wonted temper and appear abroad again to the unspeakable joy of the whole Court One day when she seemed pleasanter than ordinary being gone over to the Island-Garden for her diversion Cesario afflicted that his Friend Alexander had been so long a Prisoner addressing himself to Her on his knees begged she would give her self the trouble to know the conclusion of that story he had formerly began and then according to her own justice either release or punish the severe Husband of Cynthia which the Dutchess willing to hear that by the knowledg of anothers misfortunes she might give some diversion to those thoughts kept her own too fresh in her memory she commanded him to rise and finish his relation The Continuation of the History of Alexander and Cynthia YOur Highness may please to Remember said Cesario that when my Friends story was interrupted by the coming of Julian I had acquainted You of his meeting instead of the expected Laura his Friend Carlos with a Light and drawn Sword Alexander was not less surprized at the encounter of his Friend instead of Mistress in that threatning poisture than disturbed with the apprehension of
Arabick in fighting with Christians as soon as the Moor heard what he said turning back he went to the rest of the Company and presently returned with two more they asked him seral questions but finding he had not strength to speak they took him up in their Arms and putting him upon a quiet Horse with a Man behind to hold him up carried him away to a little Town about a League off where one of the Company whose Profession it was searched and dressed his wounds telling him withal he should not be discouraged for that none of them were Mortal he continued the next day and night in that little Village but so weak that he could not utter a word loud enough to be heard and the Moors who had taken care of him being to depart they procured a Cart to lay him on and ordered it to follow softly after them to Cordova he that was the Chirurgion staying with him there had past a week from the time of his being hurt to that of their Arrival at the City and the next day after it his wounds being in a fair way of Cure and his Spirits so much recovered that he could and was by his Chirurgion allowed to speak the Chief of those who had delivered him from the Rock came to see him and telling him he was Son to the General of Cordova and sent out to make some Discovery which way Antiquera might be assaulted when he found him in that weak Condition at the Foot of the white Rock believing it was an extraordinary incounter had reduced him almost to his end That both out of Charity and a desire to know how he came by his wounds he was induced to give Order that if possible his Life should be preserved and now that there was some appearance of it he desired in requital of his kindness that he would satisfy his Curiosity in what he demanded to know of him My Master was very willing to comply with his desire having had time to consider what Account was properest to give of his Misfortunes so that after returning him thanks with much acknowledgment of his kindness to him I must confess noble Deliverer said my Master that I am descended of Christian Parents but having spent much time in Africa about Tunis I may reckon my self indebted to the Moors for part of my Education I served that King some time in his Wars with so much Success that his goodness thought the greatest things he could do for me such as he had no reason to wish unbestowed and being young and desirous to see a Country so much celebrated as this is for the Wars between you and the Christians I took my leave of him and accompanied Hamet one of his principal Subjects who came over hither on an Embassy from him We arrived some time since at Malaga and that Morning you met me having travelled so far in to the Country there was upon the Rock a sharp Dispute between some Christians and Hamets Party and there after several wounds I fell remaining as dead for a long time but coming to my self I lay upon a Heap of dead Bodies all of Hamets Party but how he happened to be overcome I am able to give you no Account off The Moor was much pleased with the short Narrative my Master gave and conjectured what was really true that a Party from Antiquera might have fallen on them and either slain or made them all Captives After this if my Master was used with a Charitable Civility before they now gave him Respect as the Favourite of a King and great Souldier being visited by most of the considerable Men in that Court. And after six weeks his wounds being so well that he was able to walk abroad his Friend carried him to wait on the King having provided him Rich Garments of the Moorish Fashion He was very urgent to oblidge his continuance with him and to have him accept a Command in his Army against the Christians which my Master not without difficulty was excused from urging the necessity of his Removal to inquire what was become of those he had accompanied from Tunis As soon as he was perfectly cured though with regret of those he left he took his leave of Cordova and being accommodated with Horses to Valencia there upon pretence of security to Travel he got a Pass from the Christian Garrisons and being brought to the nearest by Moors he had hired making use of his Pass for their Return as soon as they were without the Walls he made the Governor a Visit and discovered himself to be a Sicilian and giving him a Relation of some of his Adventures he so much obliged him that he not only made him his own Guess for some days he stayed there both to rest himself not yet able to endure a long Journey and to change his Moorish Habit he then wore but supplied him with all things necessary both for his Journey and Voyage which was succesful enough not only while he Travelled by Land but for some days after he had put to Sea in a Vessel bound hither one day as he was sitting on the Deck pleased with the hopes of being soon at Mantua which the Master promised him a sight of in two days if the Wind continued fair holding your Picture in his hand He with the point of a Knife engraved those words gave you the first Intelligence of his being alive That Night the Wind was fair and fresh but in the Morning a general Fright seized all the Mariners when they beheld not a mile to windward of them a large Ship by whose Antiant they knew her to be a Turkish Pirate of Algier in less than an hour she came close up with them and commanding the Master to strike his sails and yield No perswasions of my Lords could prevail with them to stand on their defence not being above twenty in number half Passengers and in the Turks Ship near three hundred Men only the Master advised all his Passengers to throw away their best Cloaths that their Ransomes might be the more moderate which they all did except my Lord who though he stood with his Sword in his hand resolved to sell his Life at as dear a rate as he could yet as soon as they were Boarded overpowred with numbers he was made a Captive among the rest and stripped both of all his Cloaths and what was dearest to him in the World next your self the Picture was taken from him the Turks as soon as they had searched their Prize taking all the Prisoners on Board their own Ship sent the other with some of their own Men home to Algier laden with all the Booty they had taken themselves keeping out at Sea for more purchase ten days after their Captivity about noon the Turks espied a Sail and giving her Chase found in a short time that she endeavoured as much to get up with them so that preparing for a Fight they shut up their
Prisoners under Hatches leaving only half a dozen of the Lustiest on the Deck to help them at their work in ordering the Tackle among which my Master happened to be one The Ship which they had discovered making them to be Turks about an hour before Sunset was come up so near them that on each side they began to make use of their great Shot having put abroad the Colours of Sicily for they durst not adventure on either part to Board the Wind being very fresh and the Sea running as high Now Madam I must acquaint you with a desperate Attempt of my always undaunted Lord who percieving a Ship of his own Country so near and he engaged on the contrary part resolving either on death or Liberty snatching up a Headpiece lay on the Deck he clapt it on and half naked as the Turks had made him leapt into the Sea with an intent to get on Board the Ship of his Countrymen the Pirates seeing him swiming in the Water made severel Shots at him with their Arrows some of which were directed so well that the Helmet preserved his Life the Waves being a sufficient Armour for the rest of his Body and the Sicilians perceiving what passed used so much diligence to recover him on Board them that bearing up to him and throwing out a Rope which he laid hold of they got him safe into their Vessel The Fight continued some time after till the Wind increasing and Night coming on decided the Controversie and the next Morning they were out of sight of their Enemies When they were at quiet from the Turks the Captain of the Sicilians hearing my Master was his Country-man sent for him into his Cabbin to examine who he was but could learn nothing more than that he was descended of honest Parents in Messina and had spent most of his Time in Travel having been several years in Captivity but was in requital of what he said informed by the Captain that the King of Sicily dying about two Months before without Heirs the Crown was descended to Count Frederick in the right of his Mother who was Niece to the deceased King and that He guided by a Youthful curiosity had some years before left his Country to Travel not being then so much as the presumptive Heir to the Crown the King having a Son living who died in the flower of his Youth two years before his Father and being further examined by my Master how the Government was at present managed he told him that by the Kings will the Councel had taken the Charge of all affairs untill the Return of their Prince having sent out several Ships to all Ports of the Continent thereabouts to inquire if possible they could learn any News of him and that himself was abroad upon that Account If my Master was surprized with an unexpected Joy to find himself after being so happily restored to his freedom the expected Successor to a Crown he declared to me that the delight he received from such an alteration of his Condition was chiefly that he had a Present by it not unworthy your Highness acceptance but to pursue my Discourse continued Julian finding how pleasing what he said was to the Dutchess after the Captain of the Ship had fully satisfied him in all circumstances which so nearly concerned him but how can you expect said my Master to find the Prince you are in search of when by a long absence his Contenance is not known to any of you 't is true replied the Captain neither my self nor any in this Ship know him but should any but the true Prince declare himself such when he arrived in Sicily there are enew who are acquainted with him then said my Master as soon as you arrive in Sicily be assured you shall have a certain intelligence where he is The Captain and all his Company overjoyed at news so little expected from that moment directed their Coarse homewards and being favoured with a fair wind in few days came to an Anchor under the Walls of Messina my Master all that while keeping himself concealed and going a-shore with the Captain they went together to the Councel which upon their landing they heard was sitting but before they entred into the Palace some of my Masters former acquaintance seeing and knowing him immediately the news ran through the whole City that their King was returned which being soon confirmed on all hands never were acclamations greater than the Sicilians expressed at that time The Counsel the next day resigned the Government into his hands and not many after he was solemnly Crowned But that his happiness might not be too compleat while he was solicitous in setling the affairs of State that he might hasten his Voyage hither to lay his Crown at your Feet a sudden information deprived him of all that joy he thought incapable of interruption for a Ship arriving in the Port from Mantua the King commanded the Captain of her to attend him that he might inquire some news of your Highness the ignorant Seaman told him the common Discourse of this place was that your marriage would speedily be consummated with the Prince of Mayorca who a few days before his departure was arrived there for the effecting of it The occasion of this report I presume your Highness knows was grounded upon the magnificent appearance of that Prince in your Court with hopes of accomplishing his design but finding how averse you was to the alteration of your condition soon returned with disappointment to his own Country The information my Prince received from the deceived Captain was as he told me an affliction too sensible to be expressed and he has since condemned himself for being so weak as to upbraid you of inconstancy though he confessed the reason you had to believe him long before dead might be a sufficient excuse for your making choice of so considerable a Prince to be your Husband however this disturbance and the assurance of your being anothers made him negligent of sending to acquaint you either that he was living or of the alteration Heaven was pleased to make in his condition and in this State I found his affairs when I arrived at Sicily having after I departed from your Highness spent a month at Sea in a fruitless search till coming in sight of that Island more out of a desire to see the Country had given birth to my Lord than any expectation of hearing any thing concerning him I put into the Harbour and going a-shore I was informed by some persons I met on the strand what a general joy the Islanders were filled with upon the return of their long absent King who was Crowned a few days before and being offered by them to be brought to his presence which I accepted your Highness may please to guess how much I was surprized to find my Master in the person of their King his goodness was always too great to me to be forgotten by him so that I was
afflicted Princess but that she would rather dye than yield to that compulsion he thought to establish his love by During which time that the amorous Prince had no other enemy to encounter but Diana's obstinate disdain Her loyal Subjects were not idle but fitted out all the Ships were in the Port to pursue him and the Sicilian King ignorant of this new misfortune was got to Sea with a Royal Fleet when coming within two days sail of Mantua he met a Vessel was come out from thence which gave him the sad account of his Princesses Rape upon which fatal intelligence having lamented her misfortune and his own with all the expressions of a violent grief he altered his coarse and stood away to Sea in chase of the detested Ravisher of the Dutchess being assured by all circumstances he was the Prince of Majorca Who while the Seas were spread with Ships to discover him imployed all his time in endeavouring to reconcile himself to the Dutchess whose just indignation she assured him could never be removed but by his returning her back to her own Country which he made as much haste from as the winds would give him leave and nine days after his leaving Mantua early in the Morning the Captain of the Vessel called him upon the Deck to see his own Island promising to land him on it by Noon but in less than an hour they were so becalmed that the Vessel made no way and when they had got out their great Oars to supply with them the want of a Gale at first an easie one began to blow but so exactly off the shore that it drove them faster to Sea than their Oars could work them towards the Land and freshening upon them before it was dark they had again lost sight of the place the Prince hoped by that time to have been a-shore at all Night it blew so fresh that they were almost compelled to bear up before it and the next day about Sunrise they found themselves chased by two Vessels which seemed to gain upon them Alvaro who feared all to be Enemies to prevent their coming up with him stood away with the Wind the Ships following his coarse which they continued to do all day and a little before Night were come up so near that they discovered them to be Mantuans The afflicted Dutchess hoped from the first of their coming in sight to find them her Delievers but when she was told the Ships belonged to her or her Subjects and doubtless abroad in persuit of her Ravisher she offered up her prayers to Heaven that they might reach the Ship she was in but finding the Night would be a means to lose them again seeing Alvaro come into the Cabbin she turned from the Window she was looking out at and throwing her self at his feet with Tears implored him to restore her to her freedom assuring him she would forgive all he had hitherto done against her But his love was too great to forego a prize he now began to hope would be again secured to him and accordingly as soon as it was dark commanding there should be no Lights in the Ship he altered the coarse he had run all day and as he expected in the morning was out of sight of those had chased him the Day before the Wind continuing so high that it almost blew a Storm and finding himself on the coast of Spain near Alicant both to wait the alteration of the Wind and to suffer the Dutchess to refresh her self on shore he stood in and that Afternoon came to an Anchor about a League above the Town He landed his fair Theft at a little Village in a poor House he sent to provide for their reception first having obliged the Dutchess and Nise to change their Cloaths for plainer ones he had provided formerly himself in the habit of an ordinary Seaman never stirring out of their sight or from the Door of the Room he kept them shut up in that they might not speak to any body Alvaro had rested with impatience almost a Week in the Village before the storm had drove him to land was over when finding the Wind fair for his Voyage to Majorca he brought the Dutchess towards Evening from the House he had concealed her in to oblige her to a second imbarcation but as he was crossing the street of the Village towards the Strand where his Boat was ready to receive them he was obliged to stop a-while to let several Coaches and Horsemen pass by who were going towards Alicant and when he thought all gone leading the Dutchess by force to the place where the Boat lay just as he had lifted her into it a Gentleman mounted on a graceful Adaluzian Horse and followed by half a dozen Servants came to the Boatside and asked with courtesie enough what ship that was lay off whether they were going on board but Alvaro either disdaining an answer or fearful of any delay commanded his men to thrust out the Boat without taking any notice of the demand was made him which incivility exasperating the Spanish Gentleman he drew his Sword and riding to his Saddle-skirts into the Water close to the Boat he leapt from his Horse into it followed by his Servants telling the Seamen he would by force know what they denied to his civil request The inraged Prince and his Company had put themselves in a posture of defence when the afflicted Dutchess whose violent grief had made her till then silent rising from the seat she was placed on Sir said she to the injured Spaniard in Italian if you will do a generous act let your Sword not only be imployed to revenge the affront you have received but to rescue a miserable woman from the hands of a wicked ravisher The Spaniard hearing her speak when he was ready to assault those were in the Boat turned towards her before he prest any further and as soon as she had desired his assistance without giving any other answer than by a respectful bow he turned towards Alvaro saying to him If this Lady be willing to go with you for her sake I shall forget the rudeness you have expressed towards me but if it is by compulsion you would force her away I will either redeem her from your violence or resign my life in the attempt of it and ending these words he stept forward towards the Dutchess who incouraged by his generous declaration cryed out 'T is by force Noble Cavallier I have been hurried from my own Country and had rather here end my miserable life than remain longer in the power of that unworthy man is now the disposer of my liberty If her words were an incouragement to the Stranger to persist in his design of freeing her they were no less an incitement to the violent Prince to get the Boat off by force since he found it would no other way be done so that assaulting the young Spaniard who was prepared to receive him and seconded by his
he came thither and in that condition to which he answered that having been rejected for a Husband to Narcissa he pretended to travel but lying concealed still in Alicant he procured such false Keys as gave him entrance to the Garden from whence he had climbed up to her Chamber by a silk Ladder fixt to the barrs of her Window resolving either by Perswasion or Force to enjoy her thereby assured he should disappoint the hopes of his Rival Grotillus but that surprizing her in her Bed and asleep upon her waking she called out to Felicius whom he was confident being then with her had given him those wounds would end his unfortunate life and begging their forgiveness of a crime he must expiate with it resigned it with the blood issued from his wounds and scarce had he breathed his last when they were disturbed with a fresh aggravation to their trouble which was that Narcissa could not be found in the House while they were in this confusion Grotillus came in who being informed of what Leriano had declared before his death told them that himself had seen me several Nights about the House and determining to find out the cause of my assiduity was then in the street watching about the Garden-wall and had a little before discovered some body come out who fled with so much haste that he could not possibly discover who it was but returning to the Garden door and finding it open he heard a noise in the House and at the same time discerned a man comeing down by a Ladder as he guessed from the Balcon whom he purposed to apprehend but pursuing him to the Street-door his Man was shot by him and he made his Escape By what Grotillus declared and my Cloak being found in the room they were confirmed that I was the murderer of Leriano but the next day and several after if they were busie in searching for me assisted by the Officers of Justice I was not less perplexed at the information I received that Narcissa could no where be heard of and all the diligence of a strict Search they made through the whole City proved ineffectual towards the finding of her At the first hearing of it I was glad of her Escape fearing her Fathers rigour but when a careful and private inquiry I made my self for several days gave me as little satisfaction as Don Fernando had received It is not easie to express the sorrow I conceived for her absence which at that time being destined to troubles was aggravated by the intelligence I had from Cassandra that my Friend Alvaro had been missing ever since the fatal night of our miseries and that both his nearest Friends and Servants were wholly ignorant of the Cause of his retirement or the Place of it I must confess that my first apprehensions were apt to impute his departure to cowardise which his fair Mistress joyned with me also in taxing him with want of affection to leave her so abruptly without making her the confident of his design or writing a word to excuse it ever since his departure But some days following all our doubts were removed by a Letter Lisardo brought me from the Countess Policena to whom I had wrote an account of my cruel disaster by which I understood that my adored Narcissa attended by Alvaro was arrived safe at her House and the reason why I knew not of it sooner was that she was ignorant where I had concealed my self to write with safety to me but trusting to Lisardo's fidelity had sent him to desire I would without delay hasten my journey thither This joyful news was too pleasing to let me demur in the least what I should resolve on so that however satisfied with the diligence of revengeful Enemies to discover me I took leave of Cassandra the same Night and in the disguise of a Peasant ordering Lisardo to remain behind for an Intelligencer I travelled by Night lying private all day without adventuring into any publick house to avoid discovery and after having been three Nights on the road grown weary with the tediousness of so disorderly a journey I went a little distance from the track and tying my Horse to a Tree laid my self down under another to take some rest where wearied with the afflicting thoughts of the troubles had so lately assaulted me I fell asleep but was soon awakened by a sudden noise I heard just by me and rising hastily up I perceived by my side a man extended on the earth but not finding him stir I stooped to raise him up when I soon discerned he had resigned his life to some wounds as I judged by the heat was still in him he had newly received Immediately I listned to hear if there was any body thereabouts who had been the Author of so unexpected a Tragedy but not perceiving any other noise than what the Wind made among the Leaves of the Trees I walked softly a foot down towards the Road where I discerned a Coach and drawing near it found the Horses hamstring'd and no body in it which made me apprehend there had been greater violences committed than that of the slain man under the Tree and hearkning again with attention I fancied to hear a noise like people discoursing a little distance from the High-way I walked softly towards the place from whence the noise came and sheltred by the Nights obscurity got undiscerned so near as to hear one say Alvaro Felix must pardon this error of my choler which I imagined was not without justice but if apprehended otherwise I am willing Isabella should determine concerning me whose Beauty was the sole occasion of this misfortune Your mistake Grotillus answered one who by the voice I knew to be a woman was founded on the affinity of two names and be assured the resentment I have exprest must needs cease to condemn you when I am satisfied that not only the height of Love but pursuit of a just Revenge made you act towards me what you did believing your Cousin Narcissa was in the Coach guarded by your Enemies Friends When I had overheard thus much believing it a foolish temerity to stay longer so ill provided as I was near a declared enemy I returned softly back to the place where I had left my Horse and prosecuting my journey without any disturbance arrived the following Evening safe at Valentia The Noble and Charitable Countess received me with an affectionate Welcome but when I inquired for Narcissa she declared to know nothing more concerning her than what my Letter had given intelligence of At first I believed she only denied her in jest to give some allay to the joy I had exprest of being so near her and to remove the doubt I shewed her the Letter wherein she summoned me to Valentia but she convinced me her character had been counterfeited in it which so much afflicted me that the very violence I did my self reduced me to a Fever which I struggled with several
enough to go so far as to die near the place you was reposing in which occasioned your meeting afterwards with Isabella's Coach and learned abruptly the design of Grotillus but how they were reduced to the condition you found them in I am wholly ignorant of for travelling alone all that night without hearing more of them I got safe hither This Account I received from Cassandra of her Journey extolling her Courage in the safeguard of her Honour A day or two after Cassandra's coming to the Countesses house I received News from Lisardo that Narcissa was supposed to remain Concealed in her Fathers House and soon after recovering perfectly my Health I left Valentia in search of my Friend Alvaro whom I believed to be the Author of that Counterfeit Letter had brought me thither and hoping to find him somewhere about Alicant I went directly to Denia where I heard some Spanish Gallies lay which were to touch at that place in their Voyage thorow the Straits but though my ill Fortune brought me thither two days after they Sailed upon Inquiry in the Town I learned several Circumstances which induced me to believe one of the Gallies carried my Friend and a Lady in his Company to Sevil. Upon this Intelligence and being disappointed of a Passage by Sea I returned again to Valentia and gave Cassandra an Account of what I had heard who understanding my Resolution of going to Sevil not only to find Alvaro but to keep as far as I could from Alicant where I was informed my Enemies lay in continual watch to destroy me contrary to the Intreaties and perswasions both of the Countess and my self She would bear me Company in my Journey which I feared to oppose too much lest as soon as I was gone she should make such another Venture as she had from Alicant And not long after having word sent me that some Dutch Vessels were Arrived at Denia bound to St. Lucar I took my leave of the Noble Policena and having Cassandra with me in her Boys Cloaths we went on Board and the Wind being fair as soon as our Captain had taken in some Fresh Water which he chiefly stopt there for we set Sail making the best of our way towards the Straits Mouth We had Sailed two days with an easie Gale and on the third my Captain out of a Compliment the Sea being very smooth would needs take me on Board with him to Dinner of another Ship in our Company which his Brother Commanded I was not willing to refuse the kindness and leaving Cassandra in our Vessel was very handsomly Treated in the other where we were very Pleasant together till rising from Table and going on the Deck I perceived a strong North-East Wind which had risen since our coming into that Ship had separated us a great distance from our Company and the Sea growing high it was impossible for us to return on Board where I had left Cassandra I was sensibly afflicted with the thoughts of leaving her alone exposed to the rudeness of Seamen without a Captain one night fearing she might be discovered but my disturbance was redoubled with finding the Storm increase as the Night grew on and the next Morning scarce supportable when I could behold nothing but Waves which ran Mountain high having lost sight of all the Ships were in our Company the day before We continued eight and forty hours struggling with the merciless Seas and Winds at the end of which no longer able to resist the impetuosity of the Storm our Leaky Ship was dashed in pieces against a Rock not far from the Shore when by the help of a broken planck I swam to Land but scarce had set footing on it and a little recollected my self from the disturbance of having been so lately Shipwrackt when looking hastily about to see from what part several Arquebusses were shot which I heard I saw a Man rolling down from the Top of a high Hill whose Steepness made it want little of a Precipice and going towards him when he was quite at the Bottom I found his Spirits dismaid through the violent blows he had received in his Fall The Compassion I took of him perceiving by his Garb he was none of inferiour Rank made me careful to find if he had any Life remaining and unbuttoning his Coat to give more freedome to his Breath in a short time he began to stir but how much was I surprised upon opening his Bosome to find hanging on a Scarlet Ribon the Order of Saint James and with it the Picture of my adored Narcissa what my disturbance was at so unexpected a Sight may easily be guessed and the weight of my Grief was so violent to find another possessed of any thing related to her that over-weak before with swimming and wanting strength to resist that last Assault of Fortune I fell down in a Swoon by his Side I had been endeavouring to reduce from the same Condition Some time after coming to my self I found the Stranger Recovered from whom I received the Assistance I had before given him and being invited to a House he told me he had not many Furlongs from thence I accepted of his kindness and as we walked softly on together gave him so fair an Account of my Life as to let him know the Picture I found hanging on his Breast was more disturbing to me than what I had suffered by being Cast away at Sea to which he was about to give me an Answer when we were met by several of his Servants who exprest a great Surprize to find him Bloody and on Foot whereupon he told them a Company of Villains had assaulted him at unawares and killing his Horse under him he saved his Life by falling from a Precipice must in all probability have ended it We went softly after meeting them to his Country-Lodg and as soon as we came in sight of it another servant meeting him delivered him a Letter which after he had read seeming pleased he delivered it to me to peruse which as near as I can remember was to this effect Niquea to Don Enriquez 'T Is now I hope you will be satisfied how little reason there was for your Imagination that I could forget the promise was once made you especially for a person so inconsiderable as Bernardo But let it suffice that his insolence is chastised and my reputation cleared to the World Menandro will acquaint you at large with all Circumstances and I beseech you never more doubt the firm constancy of Yours NIQUEA Having read the Letter from what I gathered by it I congratulated the reconcilement I supposed it would make between him and his before suspected Mistriss by which time coming to the door of his House he conducted me to repose after so long a Fatigue as I had ungone to a very fair Room where I passed the following night with disquiet enough But the next Morning as soon as he thought it seasonable coming into the Chamber where I
lay after such Compliments as he thought due from the Master of a House to his Guess he began a Discourse whereby I perceived him desirous of knowing what was the occasion of my being so much concerned at the sight of the Picture he wore on his Breast which he owned himself fully satisfied in as soon as I told him my Name was Felicius and added that he knew more of my Affairs then perhaps had yet come to my own knowledge of which he promised to give me a full Account from the time of my killing Loriano and afterwards would acquaint me how the Picture came into his Possession and by what means he learnt all the Circumstances both of Narcissa's and Alvaro's Adventures but intreated me first to satisfy his Curiosity in hearing what had past with me since I left Alicant which I not only did but recited to him most of those Passages of my Life which your Highness has had the trouble of hearing and in Requital received from him this following Relation As near as I can conjecture Felicius said he by what you have repeated of the Adventure in Fernando's house Narcissa escaped thorow the door you had just removed from to Execute that Justice on Leriano was due to his Insolence and being scarce awake clapt it after her which lock'd you in leaving the Key on the other side with which Leriano must have opened it whereby yours became useless but by that time she got into the Garden hearing a noise thorow all the house and believing you must of necessity fall under her Fathers Rage with what Passion Sighs and Tears did she lament the danger you was exposed to and knowing her own would not be less after your discovery in the house she ran to the Garden door and got out in sight of Grotillus and his Man who were Witnesses of the hast she made from a place of so many threatning Hazards She took strait down the first Street being in a Night dress and without a Veil designing if possible to find your House which she was as ignorant of as unacquainted with the Streets of Alicant but though she soon went a contrary way to that she intended her fortune was such that upon turning into a narrow Street a Man took notice of her Garb and believing her a Woman in distress made a generous offer of his Assistance to secure her which she accepted of desiring he would be her Guide to your house the mention of which place making him take more particular notice of her not without the greatest amazement imaginable he knew her to be Narcissa and discovering himself to be Alvaro learn'd abruptly from her some part of the nights Disaster so that considering the imminence of the danger he conveighed her to his own house and having secured her in a Chamber unseen by any body he went to look you out first at your own house but finding all quiet there and that your servants knew nothing where you was he went on to Fernando's where all being in an uproar and the Neighbours come in upon the noise of Leriano's Death crowding among the Company untaken notice of he received a general Account of what had passed and found you to be the person pitched upon for the Murderer so that considering the danger Narcissa was in while at his House which he supposed would be one of the first searched for you he being lookt on by the whole City as your most intimate Friend hasting home as fast as he could without making any Disturbance he got a Horse Sadled and taking Narcissa behind him rode away directly to Peniaflor but coming thither and not being able to raise any Body that might admit him into the House and fearing any stay near Alicant he determined at once to put her in a place of safety which he thought Policena's House would be from whence he determined either to acquaint you with the place he had retreated to or return privately to Alicant in your search so Riding out of the Village again by day-light he had left it some Leagues behind him but fearing the High-Road too publick he quitted it and adventured to find the way thorow the great Forest and at last having concealed himself and taken up for several nights among some Herds-men whose habitations were only little Huts he reach'd Vanaroz a small Town on the Coast about tenn Leagues from Valentia whence a Boat being soon after his Arrival ready to go off his Horse quite tired out and thinking the easiness of the Passage would be a refreshing to Narcissa they both embarqued on it about Sun-set with assurance from the Patron that they should Land next day before Noon at Valencia But the dawn of the Morning scarce appeared when they were boarded by a Turks Pinnace and unable to resist were carried to their Ship which plyed farther off at Sea having sent their Boat close into Shore for such Prize as they could Light on It would be needless to repeat the afflictions of Narcissa and your Friend therefore let it suffice that I tell you the same day several Gallies coming in sight Chased the Ship they were in and by the help of their Oars there being little Wind gained so fast upon it that the disconsolate Captives perceiving by their Colours they belonged to Spain conceived joyful hopes of deliverance which after a small resistance of the Turks was accomplished Alvaro presently removed his fair Charge on Board the Admiral-Gally where he met his antient Friend Alvaro Felix who had embarqued with his Wife from Denia and I guess occasioned your mistake in believing him the other Alvaro at that time Felix design'd his Voyage for Valentia but afterwards upon some advice he received altered it to Sevill I cannot omit one Passage which was by the two friends observed with admiration that Narcissa and Isabella were both in Shape and Feature so alike that it was not over easie to distinguish one from the other But to proceed I will only tell you that they Landed at the first Port the Gallies touched at unwilling to be exposed longer at Sea from whence Alvaro having writ to you to the Countess Policenas an Account of what I have now related he proceeded in Company of Felix and the two Ladies to end their Journey by Land But now for a while to make all more plain to you I must digress from their Story to acquaint you with some Accidents relating to my self Enriquez in this part of his Discourse stopt a little keeping me strangely suspended with the Imagination how so many particulars of my concerns should come to his Knowledge till perceiving my impatience and having told him nothing could oblige me more than the Recital of his own Life he said to me My Descent is from the Antient Family of Tortosa by Birth a Sevilian and the Order I wear bestowed on me when a Child by my Fathers procurement Having spent some time at my Studies I removed from the
Board arriving safe at Cadiz she came the same day to Sevill and before entring into any house met me at St. Austins engaged with Grotillus one passage I must not omit which was the Letter at first brought me to Valencia Lisardo my Servant finding the grief I was in by my ignorance of what was become of Narcissa forged the Letter to give me a present satisfaction and withal to hasten my departure from Alicant where he knew me in the midst of many Enemies and afterwards hearing nothing of me he went to Valencia supposing it a place where he should soonest learn what was become of me I have nothing more now to trouble your Highness with the hearing of but to add that at the Entreaty of Enriquez Narcissa and Cassandra stayed with his Mistriss and Alvaro Grotillus and my self at his House till the Celebration of his Marriage in the mean while sending to Fernando to let him know where we were and that Ceremony over Grotillus undertook the Conduct of us all hither where Alvaro's Marriage with Cassandra and mine with Narcissa were publickly Consumated a few days before the Arrival of your Highness in these Parts The Dutchess was so well pleased with the History of Felicius's Adventures that in congratulating their happy Union after so much trouble she could not be dissatisfied with the imagination Her own Condition would soon in all appearance be as well setled as that of those fortunate Lovers she was a Guess to but the fair young Countess finding her Lord had made an end of his Relation desired he would acquaint the Dutchess and satisfy her self in one circumstance he had omitted which she was concerned in how Enriquez came by that Picture of hers he had mentioned which Felicius excusing his forgetfulness of did by telling them it was not Narcissa's but a Picture of Isabella he accidentally found in a rich Cabinet Felix had presented to him and wore it that day to give a diversion to his thoughts from remembring any more his then supposed false Niquea and afterwards meeting with Felix had restored it to him At another time the Princess would have found as much satisfaction among such obliging Company as she could have wished But the impatience she was in for the Ships return had sailed in search of Frederick and to see Mantua again gave a great check to her present tranquility But a few days after her trouble was removed by the Arrival not only of that but several other of her own Ships and the person she had sent out coming ashore acquainted her that meeting those Frigats were returned with him he made the best of his way back having sent a light Vessel to Majorca to acquaint the King of Sicily where the Dutchess was who sailed thither with a Resolution of laying wast the whole Island if that Prince did not deliver her back to him she being generally believed there in his power By that time the Dutchess had received this short Account of his Voyage all the Principal Officers of the little Fleet were landed and come to pay their Duty to their Princess and congratulate her safe delivery from the hands of a violent Ravisher whom she received with her accustomed goodness and having told Felicius as much before acquainted them with her resolution of Sailing the next day for Mantua commanding to have all things ready for her departure against that time But if the Mantuan Princess was pleased with the suddenness of her departure towards Italy after so long an absence the generous Spaniards who had enjoyed so much of her Company could not but express themselves troubled at the thoughts of loosing it and had she not absolutely refused their desire Felicius and his Lady would have waited on her to Mantua The next morning having notice that all things were provided and the Wind fair with a general trouble she took leave of her obliging Friends having presented Narcissa with several rich Jewels and accepted of a promise they made to visit Her in Italy Fortune now weary of persecuting Her after tenn days being at Sea the Fleet came in sight of Mantua discerning a greater at the same time making in for the Road which they conjectured right to be the Sicilian Kings and by that time the Dutchesses Ship was come to an Anchor they discovered the Royal Standard of that King displaid on the Topmast head of his Admiral-Frigat The News of Diana's Arrival being soon carried ashore what acclamations of Joy were sent forth by her Loyal Subjects and how was the Shore Crowded with people to see and welcome her home after so unfortunate an absence And while this happy News delighted all on the Land King Frederick entring the Harbour with his Fleet and knowing of the Dutchesses Arrival hasted in a Barge on Board her Ship with an earnestness the firmest Passion in the World inspired him with as soon as ever he came into the Cabbin he threw himself at the Feet of his Divine Princess who no longer desirous to Conceal her Love let him know the satisfaction she received in beholding him safe from all those dangers he had so long been Assaulted with The happy Lovers after a short stay on Board going into Rich Barges were come off for them Landed and taking Coach to the Pallace were Ecchoed thither with the Shouts of of a People transported with the greatest satisfaction imaginable But amidst this publick rejoycing although the Sicilian King was happy not only in being near his Adored Princess but assured their Nuptials were defer'd no longer than till all things were ready for their Solemnity he was impatient of brooking so tedious and as he thought unnecessary preparations wishing the accomplishment of his Hopes might be effected with less Ceremony rather than admit any delay which was effected in so little a time as would have seemed long to none but a wishing Lover But the appointed day being at last come the Dutchess and himself in a Garb suitable to the Eminence of their Degree and the satisfaction of their Minds both the Court and City expressing by theirs the share they had in the Blessings of so happy a Union attended the Royal pair to the Temple where the Blushing Dutchess was delivered to him she allowed the most deserving and constant Lover upon Earth The now truly happy King staid some time after their Marriage in Mantua where having setled the Government he conveighed his Queen in a Royal Fleet to Sicily being welcomed by his Subjects not alone with a Joy too great to be express'd but with a Triumph beyond what Rome it self could ever boast off where they both enjoyed a long and happy Sovereignty leaving a Royal Succession behind them and always living with such endearment that the last day of their Lives seemed the first of their Loves FINIS